Seattle SuperSonics (Team English Website)
Official Team English Website
Home City: Seattle, Washington
Home Arena: KeyArena
Capacity: 17,072 people
Joined NBA in: 1967
NBA Championships: 1
Current Head Coach: Bob Hill
Roster:
Number Name Position Birthdate
4 Nick Collison Forward 10/26/80
34 Ray Allen Guard 7/20/75
27 Johan Petro Center 01/27/86
25 Earl Watson Guard 6/12/79
21 Danny Fortson Forward 3/27/76
7 Rashard Lewis Forward 8/08/79
12 Willie Williams Forward 1/11/80
Curtis Borchardt Forward 05/12/86
54 Chris Wilcox Center 09/03/82
8 Luke Ridnour Guard 2/13/81
31 Robert Swift Center 12/03/85
16 Noel Felix Forward 10/04/81
29 Michael Wilks Guard 05/07/79
18 Marcus Fizer Forward 8/10/78
Team Profile & History:
The SuperSonics joined the NBA in 1967-1968. They reached the finals twice in the 70s and won the championship in 1979. In the 80s, they experienced ups and downs until reviving again in the 90s under Gary Payton's leadership.
In their first two seasons in the NBA, the SuperSonics struggled. In 1967-1968, they went 23-59, improving by only seven wins in their second season. Lenny Wilkens joined as player-coach from 1969 to 1971, leading them to a 36-46 record with Bob Rule. Bill Russell became coach and general manager in 1974-1975, leading them to their first playoff appearance.
From 1977 to 1980, the SuperSonics entered a golden era. Under Lenny Wilkens' coaching again in 1977-1978, they went 47-35 and reached the playoffs. After defeating the Lakers, Trail Blazers, and Nuggets, they faced the Washington Bullets in the Finals but lost in seven games.
In the next season, the SuperSonics got their revenge. In 1978-1979, they surpassed 50 wins for the first time with a 52-30 record. After eliminating the Lakers and Suns, they met the Bullets again in the Finals, winning their first championship after losing the first game.
Afterwards, the SuperSonics fluctuated, making five playoff appearances in the 80s. In 1985-1986, Lenny Wilkens left, ending the "Wilkens Era". He had led the team to their only championship with a record of 478-402.
Notable in the 80s was the 1986-1987 season when Jack Sikma was traded away. At the time, he held franchise records for rebounds (7729), blocks (705), and free throws made (3044). His number 43 was retired. That season, they went 39-43 but still made the playoffs, reaching the Western Conference Finals before being swept by the Lakers.
In the 90s, the SuperSonics regained strength. In 1991-1992, George Karl became head coach, bringing them back into contention in the West. In 1995-1996, they reached the Finals again since 1979 but fell short against Michael Jordan's Bulls. The Bulls won the first three games, but the Sonics won two before losing Game 6. Kemp, Payton, and Coach Karl all participated in that year's All-Star game.
In the following 1997 and 1998 seasons, the SuperSonics remained strong, winning 57 and 61 games respectively but failed to reach the Finals again. In the incomplete 1998-1999 season, they went 25-25, missing the playoffs for the first time in eight years. However, they returned to the playoffs the next season.
In the new century, the SuperSonics continued to adjust their roster with Gary Payton remaining the core while adding new players. In 2001-2002, Payton averaged 22.1 points and 9.0 assists per game, becoming an All-Star for the eighth time, surpassing Jack Sikma's previous record.
Retired Numbers:
(10) Nate McMillan
(19) Lenny Wilkens
(32) Fred Brown
(43) Jack Sikma
History:
1967-Present Seattle SuperSonics
Championship Years:
1979
Recent Record:
Seattle SuperSonics
Season Wins Losses Win Percentage
2004-05 51 31 .622
2003-04 45 37 .549
2002-03 43 39 .524
2001-02 28 54 .341
2000-01 45 37 .549
1999-00 34 48 .415
1998-99 31 19 .620
1997-98 41 41 .500
1996-97 57 25 .695
1995-96 48 34 .585